CLOwnership & classification
Founded: 2007
Ownership
CIPER (Centro de Investigación Periodística) is a Chilean non-profit foundation specialising in investigative journalism, founded on 1 May 2007 by veteran journalist Mónica González Mujica with a small team. It was originally seed-funded by businessman Álvaro Saieh, controlling shareholder of the COPESA media group, but that backing ended around 2018-2019, after which CIPER restructured as an independent foundation governed by its own board (with González as president).
Funding
Funding now comes mainly from a reader-membership community (several thousand paying 'socios'/partners) plus voluntary donations and grants from international foundations such as Open Society and Ford; it publicly accounts for the amount and origin of its funds. It receives no state or party financing.
Affiliation & stance
CIPER is a non-partisan investigative outlet that scrutinises power across the political spectrum, including its former patron's business interests. Because it is a self-governing non-profit foundation funded by members and grants rather than by any party, state or single owner, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Leftbased on 99
81/100
Factual
75/100
Objective
116
Articles
116
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Colombian peso rises after right-wing victory as LarrainVial warns of fragmentation in Congress
Government confirms Sala Cuna project will impact Cesantía Insurance funds; Supreme opens removal notebook to 56 judges who traveled with license and Nicolás Grau's defense ensures there are no violations of norms or laws in the constitutional accusation
How organized crime is using cryptocurrency platforms in asset laundering
In the service of learning
UDI asks government to put urgency to project that lowers age of criminal responsibility after crime in San Bernardo
Subsecretary of Crime Prevention hired a lawyer who sells parts to Carabineros through a company involved in the Milicogate
Debate for Protected Schools reaches the TC and the body's plenary discusses opposition requirements against the project
CA: Guilty or not guilty?
What is the basis for the government's decision to "pause" the reform of public education?
Recent coverage
Project of entrepreneur who built "vertical ghettos" was sanctioned for cutting native forest in Villarrica
The article reports on a project called 'Refugio Ribera Norte' developed by Inversiones Ain Limitada, owned by businessman Armando Ide. The project, marketed as a 'natural paradise' focused on protecting biodiversity and ecosystems, was found to have illegally cut down native trees and violated environmental management plans. The National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) conducted inspections and determined that the project affected 20.27 hectares of native forest, equivalent to approximately 28 football fields. The local police court imposed a fine of $8.62 million on the company. Ide claims he has not been notified of the sanction and intends to review the matter. The article highlights the contradiction between the project’s promotional messaging emphasizing nature conservation and the illegal deforestation activities.
The AI mirage: why digital sovereignty is an opportunity in our age
The article discusses the evolving concept of digital sovereignty in the context of expanding artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It argues that traditional notions of digital sovereignty—focused solely on server locations—are outdated. The author emphasizes the need for comprehensive control over data, AI systems, and infrastructure, ensuring decisions affecting citizens are made under domestic laws and ethical standards. The piece highlights the importance of operational autonomy, data protection, and open technological frameworks to prevent reliance on foreign entities. It concludes that asserting digital sovereignty is essential for protecting civil rights and maintaining democratic integrity in an increasingly automated world.
Venezuelan opposition criticizes government response after earthquakes and accuses lack of emergency preparedness
The Venezuelan opposition has criticized the government's response to the earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, accusing authorities of poor preparedness, disorganization, and excessive bureaucracy in relief efforts. According to official figures, the disaster has resulted in at least 1,450 deaths, over 3,000 injured, and thousands more affected, with significant damage to homes, hospitals, roads, and other infrastructure. The Platform for Democratic Unity (PUD) stated that the state was unprepared for such a crisis, highlighting insufficient resources, specialized equipment, and reaction capacity. Opposition groups emphasized that citizens, volunteers, and civil organizations had to take on much of the support work. Edmundo González Urrutia called for international humanitarian aid to reach affected communities directly without political conditions or intermediaries. Voluntad Popular, shared by opposition leader Leopoldo López, accused the government of a delayed, bureaucratic, and disorganized response, noting that the military failed to lead initial rescue efforts. The opposition highlighted the people’s solidarity in aiding victims, particularly in La Guaira, but also
Contraloría determines that Steinert exceeded his attributions; in Chile alleged assassin of carabinero Emmanuel Sánchez, and Court orders summary to new judge pro chats with Hermosilla
The Contraloría General de la República (CGR) concluded that former Minister of Security Trinidad Steinert exceeded her authority by requesting detailed background information from the National Police (PDI) shortly after taking office under President José Antonio Kast. The CGR found that Steinert’s request violated procedural norms due to her prior relationship with the police officers involved in the investigation of the 'Chen Clan' in Tarapacá, where she previously served as prosecutor. The report highlights potential conflicts of interest and calls into question the legality of her actions. Opposition leaders have criticized the findings, suggesting possible constitutional charges or an investigative commission. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado acknowledged that public officials can make mistakes but emphasized that the CGR’s findings reflect established legal obligations.
Arrau evades definition by draft general pardon to uniformed convicted by 18-O and stresses presidential power
The article discusses a political controversy surrounding a proposed general pardon bill for military personnel convicted during the 18-O protests. Minister of Public Security Martín Arrau stated his support for security forces but avoided explicitly endorsing the proposal, emphasizing that pardons are solely the President’s authority. The initiative, led by Senator Vanessa Kaiser of the National Libertarian Party (PNL), has gained backing from the Republican Deputies' bloc but faces opposition within the ruling coalition, particularly from Chile Vamos. Guillermo Ramírez of the Democratic Union Independent (UDI) argued for individual case reviews, while PNL leader Johannes Kaiser criticized this stance as hypocritical. Other figures like Andrea Balladares of Renovación Nacional and Luciano Cruz-Coke of Evópoli also expressed concerns over the bill’s constitutional implications. The government remains divided, with some officials calling for further review before taking a position.
Registration is open for the CIPER-UDP 2026 Diploma in Investigative Journalism
The ninth edition of the CIPER-UDP Investigative Journalism Diploma has opened enrollment for 2026. The program offers an online format with live classes held on Mondays and Fridays from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM starting August 7, 2026, lasting five months. It is led by experts including Pedro Ramírez, Alberto Arellano, Denisse Devilat, Gabriela Pizarro, and Paulina Toro. The curriculum focuses on advanced data searches, social science methods for journalism, and understanding power structures. Applicants must submit ID copies, CVs emphasizing investigative work, and a letter explaining their motivation. The tuition is $1.65 million, with payment options varying based on residency and financial aid opportunities.
From Domestic to Complex
The article discusses the growing challenge of the 'care crisis' in Latin America, particularly in Chile, emphasizing the need for institutional solutions rather than relying solely on family and women to provide care. It highlights how caregiving tasks—such as caring for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities—are often undervalued and disproportionately assigned to women, contributing to economic inequality and social strain. The author references academic work by Daniel Innerarity, who argues that democracy faces threats from oversimplification and short-sighted policies. In response, Chile has introduced the National Support and Care System (SNAC) law, which recognizes the right to care in three dimensions: providing care, receiving care, and self-care. However, the article notes that implementing this framework effectively requires coordinated governance, regulation, improved regional programs, sustainable funding, and efforts to reduce the gendered burden of caregiving.
Colombia signs extradition to Chile of Aragua Train leader; prosecution opens new investigation into Senator Calisto, and government audit detects more than $1.4 billion in unpaid transfers to foundations
The article summarizes several key news items from Chile. Colombia has signed an extradition agreement for Larry Changa, the leader of the Tren de Aragua criminal group, who will soon arrive in Chile. The Chilean Fiscalía (public prosecutor's office) has opened a new investigation into Senator Calisto, alleging he made payments to former prosecutor Palma. An audit by the government revealed over $1.4 billion in transfers to foundations without proper financial reports. Additionally, the Imacec economic indicator showed a 0.9% decline in economic activity in May.
Cadem: 76% believe teenagers who commit murder, kidnapping or rape should be tried as adults
A recent survey by Cadem reveals that 76% of respondents in Chile believe adolescents aged 14 to 17 who commit serious crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, or rape should be tried as adults. The poll highlights growing public support for special juvenile prisons for those committing grave offenses, with 62% in favor of this measure. The findings come amid renewed debate over juvenile criminal responsibility following the death of a 12-year-old during a violent incident in San Bernardo. While 36% advocate lowering the minimum age for criminal liability to 12 years, 32% support maintaining the current age of 14. Additionally, 42% believe the age at which adolescents can be treated as adults should be set at 14. Public opinion attributes significant responsibility for juvenile crime to families, with 51% pointing to family accountability as the main cause.
AI and financial competitiveness
On July 1, 2026, Felipe Vial Correa, director of Vision Capital, wrote an article discussing the transformative impact of second-generation generative and autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) on the financial industry. The piece highlights that by 2026, AI is expected to significantly reshape financial services, with institutions lacking a strategic 'AI Blue Print'—a standardized implementation framework developed by academic institutions and specialized labs—risking loss of competitiveness and difficulty attracting investment. The author emphasizes that digital transformation in Chile has evolved beyond mere technological upgrades into a necessity for survival, requiring institutions to ensure transparency, traceability, and resilience in a rapidly changing economic environment. The focus is on the ability to strategically implement AI to maintain liquidity, operational continuity, and economic system resilience.
The hour of self-criticism in the Latin American left
The article discusses recent election results in Peru and Colombia, which have favored the right wing across much of Latin America, with only Brazil and Uruguay resisting this shift. It argues that the left has failed politically due to internal errors, but criticizes simplistic explanations that blame 'woke' activism or identity politics for this failure. The author suggests that many leftist principles, such as equality, were historically exclusionary and often aligned with racism and sexism. They reference philosopher Alberto Toscano to argue that the working class has historically supported nationalist and racist ideologies, and that modern leftist movements must expand their demands while critically examining foundational values like equality.
Of truths and lies on TV
The article titled 'De verdades y mentiras en la TV' (Of Truths and Lies on TV) appears to focus on issues related to truth and deception in television programming, likely referencing specific cases where journalists or media figures have been involved in legal proceedings. It highlights two notable cases: the case of Senator Flores, where the president of the Association of Notaries appeared before the Public Prosecutor’s Office as an accused individual, and the 'Operation Topógrafo' case involving former judge Juan Poblete and former head of Army Intelligence, Schafik Nazal, who were convicted of illegal espionage. These examples suggest the article is examining instances where media professionals or public figures have faced legal scrutiny, possibly raising questions about journalistic integrity or ethical standards.
Operation Topograph: Former judge Juan Poblete and former Army intelligence director Schafik Nazal convicted of illegal espionage
In Chile, former Judge Juan Poblete and former Army Intelligence Director Schafik Nazal were convicted by the Seventh Guarantee Court in Santiago for illegally intercepting the phones of individuals investigating or exposing military corruption. Among those targeted was journalist Mauricio Weibel, who uncovered the 'Milicogate' scandal involving illegal arms purchases. Both defendants admitted to the charges and agreed to a five-year prison sentence under intensive supervised release, along with permanent loss of political rights. Initially, prosecutors had sought 20-year sentences, but they praised the agreement as satisfactory, emphasizing the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. Weibel, now part of CIPER, highlighted the ruling as a significant precedent for protecting freedom of expression.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.